Shams is a unisex given name of Arabic origin, meaning "sun". It is derived from the Arabic word "shams", which refers to the sun. In Islamic tradition, Shams is also associated with the Prophet Muhammad's wet nurse who was known for her kindness and generosity.
The name Shams has been popular in various cultures throughout history. In the Middle East, it has been a common choice for both boys and girls for centuries. It gained international recognition through prominent figures such as Shams al-Din Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Ali al-Kaysi (known as Jalal ad-Din Rumi), a 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic who is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in the Persian language.
The name Shams has also been used in other cultures. In India, for example, it is a popular Hindu given name, often associated with the worship of the sun god Surya. In some African countries, such as Nigeria and Ghana, Shams is a commonly used Muslim given name.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Shams has spread beyond its traditional cultural boundaries due to its appealing meaning and sound. Today, it is used in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Australia, often chosen by parents who are drawn to its uniqueness and significance.
Overall, Shams is a name with deep roots in Islamic culture but one that has also been embraced by other cultures throughout history. Its meaning, "sun", makes it a fitting choice for parents looking for a name that represents light, warmth, and positivity.
According to the statistics provided, the name Shams has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. The highest number of births recorded for this name was 11 in both 2021 and 2023, indicating a recent increase in its usage. However, it's important to note that these numbers are quite low compared to many other names, suggesting that Shams remains relatively uncommon.
From 1993 to 2023, there were a total of 93 births with the name Shams in the United States. This steady, albeit small, presence over nearly three decades indicates that while not widely popular, the name has consistently been chosen by parents for their children during this period.
It's also interesting to observe the fluctuations in popularity. For instance, there were no recorded births with the name Shams between 2014 and 2016, before it re-emerged with six births each in 2017 and 2019. This suggests that while the name may not be a current trend, it does maintain a small but consistent following among parents.
In conclusion, based on these statistics, Shams appears to be an uncommon yet steadily present name choice for newborns in the United States over the past few decades. Its recent increase in popularity, albeit from a low base, indicates that it might be gaining some traction as a unique option for parents seeking distinctive names for their children.